Constantinos Vaseliades creator of CONSTANTINOS fashion line with the signature new meaning to “draping” , a designer on THE hit list of this summer trends, a designer who took a risk to experiment with taking a new apocalypse to the “Greek goddess” look, and managed to bring to the surface the epitome of powerful womanly allure who himself has as a designer approached it as a “sculptor of elegance” , I took the opportunity to discuss his latest collection and what it is based on and what his personal approach to fashion is all about.
SJ: Firstly your new approach to draping was outstanding!, tell us what inspired you for your latest spring/summer 2013 collection recently show cased during the Elite Fashion Day?
C.V:Summer 2013 collection is inspired by the ancient Greek Hellenistic period. Draping is something that creates unique shapes, so I used it in almost every design of the collection. Each garment is designed in a way that allows the fabric to be transformed in different oversized looks. The collection is made up from jersey, silk jersey and crepe fabrics.
SJ: Out of all the items you’ve created , do you have a favourite?
C.V: Each piece is different. Every single one that I create has its own place… I always design pieces that even if they are all time-classic & simple, they do have a different shape or draped details.
SJ: In your opinion do you think that in nowadays designers are selling an image more than clothes?
C.V: I strongly believe that nowadays more or less everything is based on image which creates more attention-grabbing pieces. Personally the element of multi-functionality that I use, gives the ability to the customer of transforming. I don’t want only image but functionality as well.
SJ: Your approach is very effective I must say it gives a different movement to the person that wears your designs, almost as if they are gliding on air with a force of nature taking them off the ground. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten during working your way up to were you are now?
C.V: Be authentic. It’s the only element that I do have in mind and it always guides me to create something new & authentic. All of us, we do see often a lot of people imitating or copying the work of others. It happened to me as well. I have seen pieces in the market almost identical to mine. I believe that if someone wants to call himself as a designer should create something unique, new & different. Something that will establish him/her as a designer.
SJ: I’m very sorry to hear that this has happened to you, it is very true though, many people who label themselves as “designers” take other “real” designers creations for granted and name their ideas as their own, but no need to worry the craft and your way of skill is so diverse from what we have seen so far on the runway that it will be pretty obvious which one is yours and which one is a copy from my point of view. Also you have put a new theory to success in being a designer and justifying that as well. Would you say that success a key to happiness? What is most important in maintaining your accomplishments so far towards your career and personal life?
C.V: I believe that a balance between personal and professional life can conclude to success. Definitely success is a key to increase happiness, but for myself, my personal life is critical as well. Even though is tough to keep a balance between the two, this is the ultimate level of happiness.
SJ: So how would you describe your ultimate goal as a designer?
C.V: My ultimate goal is to expand the brand as much as possible. I do not have specific limits, as I always want more and more. ‘’Nothing is good enough’’ for me! The only definite is that the brand will get out of Cyprus really soon…
SJ: I have no doubt about that! Your name is not very far from being literally let say “engraved” on to every runway in the future and now. Have you always lived in Cyprus, where did you study or was fashion design always a hobby?
C.V: For the last 25 years, our family business operates into the retail fashion industry. It has always been into my everyday life, so it really inspired me… Even though I have a bachelor in Business & Marketing, Fashion was my passion! Since 2009 I was the creative director of the brand ‘FashionVictim’ and from this season I launched my personal line ‘constantinos’…
SJ: Do you ever have a moment when you can give yourself a break from the sketch pad and the sewing needles, what do you enjoy more now on a day to day basis?
C.V: I do have a really busy schedule Monday –Sunday but I truly love it. I’m always creating and working on new things all the time. Being in an industry such as fashion and retailing is not only exhausting but challenging as well. That’s why I love my job. I am trying all the time to continue and create something totally new and innovative!
SJ: You seem very dedicated towards your work that is truly amazing! Being alert on what fashion debuts every year, what do you like most about this year’s spring /summer trends?
C.V: There are a lot of trends that I like. Colour explosion is one of my favourites as I love bright colours for summer.
SJ: Can you give us a sneak preview of what you’re thinking about for the next collection?
C.V: The only thing that I can say is that the brand is going a lot darker.
SJ: Oh the tone of colour you mention has already peeked out “mystery” or maybe towards the “seductive” side? I can’t help guessing, I’m very eager to see it when it is out! Is there anyone particular who you’d like to dress maybe someone’s who’s image reflects your designs?
C.V: I do not have any particular person. I only want to dress up people that really love fashion and want something different. People that will buy a piece and wear it again and again, transformed each time into a totally different look.
SJ: Lastly where can our readers find your clothes to purchase or see them first hand?
C.V: You can find my collection at MDM by madame boutique (62, Iphigeneias str. Acropolis – Nicosia tel:22420968) & Foschini boutique (20, Kolonakiou str. Linopetra – Limassol tel:25323060)
A very special thank you to Constantinos for taking time for this interview, a designer who has turned our minds right back to the age of discovering the meaning of each element that brings together a transformation re-born into something else, filling a gap between the past and now towards a new “Hellenistic Period” as he quoted, a founder of the 21st century you could say “Hellenistic Period” in Fashion.
SarahJane Kyprianou
Fashion Columnist
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